Bristol, ME Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 100% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Bristol Safe?
Yes — Bristol is extremely safe
One of the safest cities in the country, with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Bristol has a crime rate that is 55% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 521.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Bristol earn an A+ safety grade, while Bristol rates A+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Bristol.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 521
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
50% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 308
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
82% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Bristol Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
65 | -35% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
9 | -91% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
9 | -91% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
2 | -98% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Bristol Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Bristol?
Safety varies dramatically across Bristol's 2+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 2Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Bristol
All Bristol Neighborhoods
Bristol Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Bristol zip codes.
Bristol Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Bristol, ME?
Bristol, ME has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 55% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 521 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 308 chance for property crime. Bristol has lower crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Bristol, ME safe to live in?
Bristol is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A+. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Bristol is one of the safest areas, while Bristol has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Bristol is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Bristol?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Bristol are Bristol, and Pemaquid. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Bristol?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Bristol include Bristol. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Bristol?
The estimated violent crime rate in Bristol is 191.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 50% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 521 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 1.4 per 100K (72% below average); aggravated assault at 174.9 per 100K (35% below average); robbery at 6.8 per 100K (91% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Bristol?
The estimated property crime rate in Bristol is 324.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 82% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 308 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 199.1 per 100K (26% below average); larceny/theft at 120.3 per 100K (91% below average); vehicle theft at 5.5 per 100K (98% below average).
How does Bristol crime compare to the national average?
Bristol's overall crime rate is 55% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (26% below average), while vehicle theft is 98% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Bristol has lower crime than 100% of them.
Is Bristol safe to visit?
Bristol is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 82% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Bristol, Pemaquid.
How does Bristol crime compare to the rest of Maine?
Maine as a whole has crime that is 24% above the national average. Bristol's crime rate is 55% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maine city.
What type of crime is most common in Bristol?
Burglary is the most common crime in Bristol, with an estimated rate of 199.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 26% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (325 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (192 per 100K) in Bristol, which is consistent with national trends.